Written by Marcia Ore
Since 2008 June has been the month in the year to publicly recognise and celebrate the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, their culture and heritage.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) began in 2001 in the London Borough of Brent and in 2007 was endorsed by the UK Parliament, becoming a nationally recognised month the following year, 2008. The purpose of GRTHM is to celebrate and raise awareness of the history and culture of these communities.
Who are the Gypsy, Roma and Travellers?
Gypsy, Roma and Travellers is an umbrella term which also includes New Travellers, Showpeople and Boaters. There are many different and distinct groups; however, not all of them are legally recognised as ethnic groups. Gypsies and Travellers, while both are known for their nomadic lifestyles, they are two distinct groups. The Gypsy communities include English Gypsies, Scottish Gypsies or Travellers, Welsh Gypsies and other Romany people. The terms Gypsy and Roma are used to describe the same people but are designated and viewed and used differently.
Roma communities originated from India around the 10th/12th centuries and more recently migrated from Central and Eastern Europe, such as Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, since around 1515.
Irish Travellers are those who have specific Irish roots, whose presence in Ireland can be traced to the 12th century and then to Great Britain in the early 19th century as a result of migration. All of these communities have a history of being persecuted, marginalised and discriminated against. According to the 2001 UK census, 71,440 people identified as Gypsy or Irish Travellers resided in England and Wales. The highest population of Gypsy or Irish Traveller people lived in the South East of England, 24.2%; 13.1% East of England, and 10.5% in London. However, data collection is poor in respect of these communities, and there are believed to be around 300,000 Gypsy and Traveller people living in the UK.
Protection under the Equality Act
Gypsy, Roma and some Traveller people are protected against discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 in England, Wales and Scotland and under the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 in Northern Ireland. Romany Gypsies, Scottish Gypsy/Travellers and Irish Travellers have all been declared by the courts to be protected as “races” under the Equality Act 2010. Roma is a distinct ethnic group protected by equality legislation. However, New Travellers and Showpeople are not recognised as having a protected characteristic and, therefore, are not protected based on their traveller identity.
Mental Health and the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
The Cambridge University Press published an article in 2024 titled Gypsy, Roma and Traveller populations and mental health in the UK: a need for real working together and co-production of services highlighted that the GRT communities had the worst mental health outcomes of any ethnic group. Tackling Mental Health Inequalities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller People also published in 2024 provides guidance to those supporting these communities.
The GRTHM 2025 Theme: “Who Inspires You?”
The theme for 2025 is “Who inspires you?” and looks to celebrate inspirational Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller Showmen, and Liveaboard Boater people.
How can you increase your knowledge and understanding?
Below is a list of resources to help you understand the rich history, heritage and cultures of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Resources
🎥 Video: Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month (GRTHM)
GYPSY, ROMA AND TRAVELLER PEOPLE. CULTURES, AND TRADITIONS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2025: Resources
The Traveller Movement – Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller History and Culture Friends, Families & Travellers
The Roma in Europe: 11 things you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen culture
What is the difference between a Gypsy and a Traveller?
Roma, their History, Culture, Traditions, and News
🎥 Video: A Very British History: Romany Gypsies – BBC Documentary
Romani or Gypsies? | Dijana Pavlovic | TEDxBocconiU
Flamenco INdia – exploring the Romani diaspora – Oliver Rajamani TEDxBermuda
